- Published on
Why Your Site Needs SSL Encryption and How a CDN Can Help
- Authors
- Name
- Alex Lee
- @alexjoelee
The security of your website should never be an afterthought. With the rise of cyber threats, protecting user data is of paramount importance. One of the key steps towards securing your site is implementing SSL encryption. This article will shed light on the importance of SSL, and how using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) can enhance both your website's speed and security. We aim to help business owners, system engineers, IT professionals, and anyone interested in improving web security and trust online. 
SSL, which stands for Secure Socket Layer, is a security protocol that encrypts the data transfer between a user's browser and the website they're visiting. By encrypting this information, SSL prevents cybercriminals from accessing sensitive data, such as login credentials, credit card numbers, or personal information.
Once an SSL certificate is installed on a web server, it activates the 'https' protocol, thereby offering a secure connection from a web server to a browser. This is visibly indicated by the padlock symbol and the 'https' in the website's address in your browser. This symbol has become a universal sign of trust online, signifying to your users that their data is safe.
The Importance of SSL for Your Website
- Data Security: The primary purpose of SSL encryption is to protect your users' sensitive information from potential prying eyes. Since information between your users and your servers are encrypted with SSL, the data is not able to be "sniffed" or read by any third-parties.
- SEO Ranking: Google has made SSL one of its ranking factors. SSL-enabled websites are more likely to have better visibility on the search engine results page (SERP), which can lead to increased traffic.
- Building Trust: The padlock icon and 'https' preceding your web address can enhance your users' trust in your website, increasing the likelihood of them sharing personal information or making a purchase.
The Role of a CDN in Enhancing SSL and Website Performance
A Content Delivery Network (CDN) is a geographically distributed network of servers that work together to deliver internet content rapidly. CDNs reduce the distance between the user and the server by storing a cached version of your website's content in multiple geographical locations (points of presence). The user's request is then fulfilled by the server closest to them, significantly improving site load time - an important factor in user experience and SEO ranking.
Moreover, many CDNs like Skip2 offer automatic SSL management, simplifying the process of securing your website. By providing an SSL certificate, we ensure data security while enhancing website performance through the following:
- Speedy SSL/TLS Handshake: We have optimized systems that accelerate the SSL/TLS handshake process, reducing latency and improving load times.
- SSL Offloading: This process takes the computational load of managing SSL traffic off your origin server, allowing it to focus on delivering content efficiently.
- Easy SSL Management: Skip2 greatly simplifies the process of SSL certificate management, including issuance, renewal, and configuration, saving time and effort for your IT team.
SSL encryption isn't just an optional add-on; it's a crucial component in establishing your online presence. And with the help of our CDN, implementing SSL has never been easier. Invest in SSL encryption today - for your peace of mind, enhanced user trust, and a secure online world. And if you don't want to pay for it, get a free SSL certificate from Let's Encrypt: https://letsencrypt.org/getting-started/